Social gaming online is now attracting tens of millions of internet users ( Farmville has over 51 million players, Mafia Wars has 15 million, Zoo World 6 million and CityVille a whopping 96 million ) which makes those would be gamers a key target for cyber criminals.
As these social games are played within a Web Browser, the potential exists for criminals to grant themselves free access to your personal and financial information.
AVG Australia suggests that before playing any online game you follow these tips.
Maker’s mark – Check who is behind the game you want to download to ensure it’s a legitimate title from a real company you can trust.
Be a cynic – Just because you receive a message saying that some of your friends are playing a certain game doesn’t guarantee its safety.
Faking it – If you’re in any doubt about the legitimacy of a game you’re installing, use fake details in the registration process. This isn’t a failsafe, but should help keep your real information private.
Double check – When you install the game, double check the options to see what exactly you’re granting permission for. Are you surrendering all your information? Are you allowing it to make wall posts on your behalf?
Background programs –- Be sure not to start logging into your online bank or other sensitive services while using an untrustworthy game; it could be logging your details.
Don’t cross-over to the dark side – Be very cautious of enticing offers of free or ‘exclusive’ in-game items (coins, chips, gifts, etc.); overblown claims of ultra-rare items, special access to exclusive ‘secret’ content; or even hacks, bots and cheat programs offering you an unfair gaming advantage. These offers can come from: tweets (beware of tiny urls), emails, fan pages, forum messages, or chat rooms. They are typical attempts by others to steal your account login name and password, or other personal information.
Stay up to date – Make sure that your anti-virus program is kept up to date at all times. This will give you the best possible protection in case you do come a cropper to some Internet baddies.
AVG (AU/NZ) has a comprehensive range of security tips on its web site at http://www.avg.com.au/resources/security-tips/
